Rachel Tucker

Early life and career

Tucker was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and grew up singing on the cabaret circuit from the age of nine with her father, Tommy (Tucker) Kelly and sister Margaret Kelly under the group's name Tucker Kelly and the Kelstar. She was a member of the Arts Youth Theatre during the late 1990s featuring in shows such as Ecstasy and Our Day Out. She then went on to feature in Michael Poyner's version of the Rockin Mikado as Katisha. In 2001, she competed in the Irish version of Popstars, featuring prominently in episode 3 where she is featured singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". Her contestant number was B0161. She also featured as a contestant with sister Margaret on Michael Barrymore's My Kind of Music singing "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!". She also competed in the talent show Star for a Night making the final with her performance of "Kids".

Tucker trained at the Royal Academy of Music. She worked with Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead in the 2005 United Kingdom tour of the Rock musical, Tommy as Sally Simpson. In December 2007, Tucker appeared as Dorothy Gale in the Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation of The Wizard of Oz at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. The Stage described her performance as "looking and sounding uncannily like the legendary Garland". For her performance, she was nominated for an award in the 2008 TMA Awards. Tucker recorded a version of the civil rights anthem "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" which was used in a television advertisement for Libresse in 2005 entitled "March".

''I'd Do Anything''

Tucker was chosen as one of the twelve finalists on the show in which began in March 2008, appearing each week in the live show on Saturday evenings and the results shows which aired each Sunday. She made it to the semi-finals in week nine where she was eliminated on 25 May. In week six, she was in the bottom two with Sarah Lark, with Tucker having received the lowest number of viewers votes. In the results show on 4 May 2008, they sang "As If We Never Said Goodbye", from the musical Sunset Boulevard. Andrew Lloyd Webber chose to save Tucker and eliminate Lark, saying: "I have to think as a producer and I do think Rachel was rock solid."

Tucker was once again in the bottom two in week eight, the quarter-final stage of the series. She was in the sing-off for a second time, this time with Niamh Perry, with Perry having received the lowest number of viewers votes. They sang "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" from the musical Evita. Lloyd Webber chose to save Tucker and eliminate Perry.

At the semi-final stage, week nine, Tucker was in the bottom two for a third time, together with Samantha Barks, who had received the lowest number of viewers votes. They sang "Memory" from the musical Cats. Cameron Mackintosh joined the judging panel for this episode. Lloyd Webber chose to save Barks and eliminate Tucker saying: "Last night Cameron and I were both saying that we thought both of you would be fantastic Nancys and now here am I faced with this. But I've got to make a decision and I've got to think of where the show ultimately for Cameron is going to go and I think I have to go with you Samantha. A week after the show, Lloyd Webber said: "The fact is Cameron wanted Rachel to stay. He wanted Rachel and Samantha in the final from the beginning of the series. Rachel did a fantastic performance but I had to face up to the fact that she wouldn't have gone any further. What I may think professionally is sometimes different to what the public want. I saved Rachel three times and she still ended up in the bottom two."

Performances on ''I'd Do Anything''

West End and Broadway stardom

In July 2008, Tucker took part in a private workshop performance of the first act of the sequel to The Phantom of The Opera (Love Never Dies) at Andrew Lloyd Webber's private Sydmonton Festival near his estate in Hampshire, in which she sang the role of Meg Giry. On 2 August 2008, in Belfast, she performed at the Gay Pride Festival. She sang a medley which included excerpts from Cabaret, "All That Jazz", "Maybe This Time" and "Don't Rain on My Parade". On 13 September 2008, she performed alongside fellow I'd Do Anything finalist Niamh Perry at the Proms in the Park, held at Belfast City Hall as part of the nationwide celebration of the BBC Last Night of the Proms. The following day, she performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber's Birthday in the Park' show in Hyde Park, London, singing "Light at the End of The Tunnel" from Starlight Express. In November 2008, Tucker filmed a West End special of The Weakest Link in which she was voted off first. The show was aired on BBC1 during the 2008 Christmas schedule. In late 2009, she was a judge on amateur comedy show Find Me the Funny and presented The Friday Show, a six-part entertainment series with Eamonn Holmes, both for BBC Northern Ireland.

''We Will Rock You''

From 22 September 2008, for one year, Tucker played Meat in the jukebox musical We Will Rock You, at the Dominion Theatre, London, under the direction of Christopher Renshaw. A review of the opening night performance of the show in The Stage newspaper said of Tucker's debut that she had "found the perfect stage for her large voice. Her rendition of "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)" is one of the highlights of a first act that works on many levels." Tucker was also the first understudy to Sabrina Aloueche for the role of Scaramouche, and played the role on many occasions to cover Aloueche's holidays.

''Wicked''

Tucker starred as Elphaba in the West End production of the musical Wicked, at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, under the direction of Joe Mantello. She replaced Alexia Khadime on 29 March 2010, starring opposite Louise Dearman (also her debut) as Glinda. For the entirety of her run, Nikki Davis-Jones was her standby, and went on during Tucker's holidays and other absences. On 1 August 2011, it was revealed that Tucker had extended her contract with the production into October 2012. In June 2012, she succeeded Kerry Ellis as the longest-running West End Elphaba.

For her portrayal of Elphaba, Tucker won a 2011 WhatsOnStage.com Award in the category of Best Takeover in a Role. She performed "The Wizard and I" at West End Live 2010 and the Laurence Olivier Awards 2012, and "Defying Gravity" at Pride London. On 13 February 2011, she performed "Defying Gravity" as part of a theatre-themed episode of Dancing on Ice for ITV. Tucker also sang the same hit song at West End Live 2011 which was held at Trafalgar Square.

On 10 September 2011, Tucker was joined on stage by Stacey Solomon to sing "For Good" at the end of the show. This was in aid of BBC Children in Need Pop Goes the Musical, where a whole host of celebrities graced the stages of the West End of London to raise awareness for the charity's 2011 appeal. On 19 March 2012, Tucker won the West End Frame Award for Best Performance of a Song in a Musical for her performance of "Defying Gravity". Tucker left the role on 27 October 2012 for maternity leave, after over 900 performances. Dearman took over the role on 29 October 2012.

She reprised the role of Elphaba in the Broadway production from 15 September 2015 at the Gershwin Theatre. Tucker played her final performance on 30 July 2016 and was replaced by Jennifer DiNoia. For her performance in the Broadway production, Tucker was the recipient of the 2016 Best Female Replacement Award at the 2016 Broadway.com Audience Awards.

Tucker returned to the West End production of Wicked, leading the show's 10th Anniversary Cast in London, on 5 September 2016 and played a limited run as Elphaba until 28 January 2017. With over 1,000 performances both in the West End and on Broadway, Tucker remains one of the longest-running Elphabas in the show's history.

''Farragut North''

Tucker starred in Farragut North playing the role of Ida, which premiered in London at the Southwark Playhouse on 11 September 2013. Produced by Peter Huntley, in association with Daniel Krupnik and Southwark Playhouse, Directed by Guy Unsworth and with original music by Jude Obermüller, the production also starred Max Irons in the role of Stephen, and features Shaun Williamson, Aysha Kala, Josh O'Connor, Alain Terzoli and Andrew Whipp.

''The Last Ship''

Tucker returned to Broadway in The Last Ship which began at the Neil Simon Theatre on 30 September 2014. The musical follows the story of shipbuilders in the North East of England using music from Sting's album of the same name. It also starred Michael Esper and Jimmy Nail. The production closed on 24 January 2015.

''Rachel Tucker: Back from Broadway''

On 19 April 2015, Tucker hosted two performances, one at 3pm and one at 7pm, at the St James theatre in London with the 7pm show being completely sold out. The special guests that appeared to sing songs with Tucker were George Macguire and Giles Terera, as well as a special performance with her own sister. Tucker sang 24 of her favourite songs, and also talked about her recent experience on Broadway.

''Communicating Doors''

She appeared off-West End in Communicating Doors at the Menier Chocolate Factory. The show began on 7 May 2015 and closed on 27 June 2015.

UK Tour

Tucker gave three intimate concerts at 'Live at Zédel' in London towards the end of March 2017. The concerts were directed by Tucker's husband, Guy Retallack, with musical director Kris Rawlinson. Reviews praised the performances of both Tucker and Rawlinson. The two followed up with an 11-date UK tour, visiting cities and towns such as Belfast, Cardiff, Bury St. Edmunds and Birmingham, beginning in Belfast on 13 May and finishing in Birmingham on 10 June. They recorded an album, On the Road, a compilation of some of the songs performed on the tour. The album was only available as a physical copy.

''Come from Away''

Tucker played the roles of Beverley and others in the London production of Come from Away from February 2019. She was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for this role. She left the production on 8 February 2020. She reprises her roles in the Broadway production of the show from 3 March 2020 until production was suspended the following week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

''John & Jen''

She starred alongside Lewis Cornay in a production of the musical John & Jen. The show was directed by Tucker's husband, Guy Retallack, and had a limited run from July 28, 2021, to August 21, 2021. It received praise from critics, with Theatre Weekly writing that the two leads had "an exquisite chemistry" and that Tucker was "unsurprisingly, incredible in the role of Jen" while Gay Times wrote "We were expecting big things from West End and Broadway star Rachel Tucker and she truly delivers", noting also that the production was "easily one of the most ambitious and polished musicals we've seen in a studio theatre".

''Sunset Boulevard''

In the 2023 West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard Tucker played Norma Desmond as alternate to Nicole Scherzinger on Monday evenings from October 16 until the end of the limited run.

''Hadestown''

In the West End production of Hadestown, she was a replacement in the role of Persephone from October 15, 2024, to February 9, 2025.

''The Great Gatsby''

She originated the role of Myrtle Wilson in the West End production of The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum in April 2025 and is expected to continue in the role until September 2025.

Filmography and theatre credits

Television

Theatre Credits

Recordings

• "Rain On Me" on the album More with Every Line - The Music of Tim Prottey-Jones (December 2010)
• "Stones" on The Violent Language of Portraits by Tonic Fold (February 2014)
• The Last Ship Original Broadway cast recording (December 2015)
• Alongside Eamonn McCrystal, Tucker sings "Chasing Cars" on the album The Music of Northern Ireland. There are also live recordings of "Life Love Happiness" and "The Island" (February 2015)
• "As Long as You're Mine" on Lee Mead's 10 Year Anniversary Album (February 2018)
• "Oh Holy Night" on West End Does: Christmas (December 2018)
• "Shallow" with Jon Robyns on his album Musical Direction (September 2019)
• Schwartz Songs - a new version of "Defying Gravity" alongside Kerry Ellis, Alice Fearn, and Lucie Jones. She also recorded a solo version of "The Wizard and I" for the album, celebrating the work of Stephen Schwartz (July 2024) On 25 March 2013, it was announced that Tucker had been signed to Big Hand Recordings in a joint venture with Elate Studio and would release her debut solo album on 22 July 2013.

''The Reason''

On 11 August 2013, The Reason was released digitally and physical copies began to ship. On 17 July 2013, it was announced that there will be a delay with the album release, with the new release date expected to be 12 August. The album launch concert went ahead on 25 July, effectively meaning those that had pre-ordered the album were not the first to hear the songs as planned.

''On the Road''

On 16 November 2017, On the Road was released digitally on iTunes.

''Lessons''

On 21 May 2021, Lessons was released digitally and on CD.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racheltucker.co.uk/view/?permalink=youre-already-home--album--out-now

''You’re Already Home''

On 3 November 2023, Rachel released her new album, You’re Already Home. It was released digitally and on CD.

Personal life

In 2009, she married theatre director Guy Retallack. the couple have one son, born in February 2013.

References

References

1. (2024-09-18). "Rachel Tucker - Stars on Stage".
2. (2016-10-08). "Mum died soon after Ben was born and I miss her: Belfast actress Rachel Tucker". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk.
3. (May 2019). "I'd Do Anything - Introducing Rachel Tucker". My Park Magazine.
4. Lathan, Peter. (2005). "Reviews - Tommy". British Theatre Guide.
5. Coyle, Jane. (2007-12-03). "Reviews: The Wizard of Oz". [[The Stage]].
6. Smith, Alistair. (2008-10-01). "TV talent finalists Blackman and Tucker up for TMA Awards". [[The Stage]].
7. (2005). "Libresse: "March"". Marshall Street Editors.
8. (2008-05-04). "Reviewing the Situation: Week Six Result: Sarah was the sixth Nancy out". [[BBC]].
9. "''[[I'd Do Anything (BBC TV series)".
10. (2008-05-25). "Reviewing the Situation: Week Nine Result: Rachel was the ninth Nancy to leave". [[BBC]].
11. Kilkelly, Daniel. (2008-05-31). "Nancy judges fell out over Rachel's exit". [[Digital Spy]].
12. (2008-06-23). "First Act of 'Phantom' Sequel to Have Private Reading".
13. (2008-09-12). "Singers tune up for Proms". [[The News Letter]].
14. (April 2019). "BBC Proms in the Park". [[Ulster Orchestra]].
15. Shenton, Mark. (2008-09-14). "Paige, Menzel, Barrowman and More Celebrate ''Lloyd Webber's Birthday in the Park'' Sept. 14". [[Playbill]].
16. Bosanquet, Theo. (28 December 2008). "West End Musical Stars Line Up for ''Weakest Link''".
17. Matthewman, Scott. (2008-09-23). "Review - We Will Rock You". [[The Stage]].
18. Smith, Alistair. (2010-01-15). "Rachel Tucker to join ''Wicked'' as new Elphaba". [[The Stage]].
19. (2011-02-20). "Legally Blonde scoops four What's On Stage awards". [[BBC News]].
20. (23 August 2013). "West End Frame: West End Frame Awards 2012: Full Winners List".
21. Rosky, Nicole. (18 August 2015). "Breaking News: West End Elphaba Rachel Tucker and Jonah Platt Will Join Broadway's WICKED This Fall!".
22. Peterson, Tyler. (19 May 2016). "Jennifer DiNoia Will Fly Back Into Broadway's WICKED This Summer!".
23. (5 May 2016). "''Hamilton'' Dominates 2016 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards; ''Spring Awakening'', Lupita Nyong'o Also Win Big".
24. Dunn, Carrie. (20 May 2016). "Rachel Tucker Returns to West End ''Wicked!'' New Cast Announced!".
25. Thomas, Sophie. (22 September 2020). "They're wicked! 11 of our favourite West End Elphabas".
26. "The Longest-Running Elphaba's in the World: Backed Up With Data".
27. Gilbert, Ryan. (12 February 2014). "Michael Esper, Aaron Lazar, Rachel Tucker & More Will Lead the Cast of Sting's ''The Last Ship'' on Broadway". Broadway.com.
28. (13 February 2014). "Sting Musical Finds Home on Broadway".
29. Reverbesays. (2017-03-27). "Review: Rachel Tucker, Live at Zedel".
30. "Rachel Tucker, Live at Zedel {{!}} Review".
31. (2017-03-23). "REVIEW: Rachel Tucker (Live at Zedel) ★★★★★ - West End Wilma".
32. Gans, Andrew. (February 18, 2019). "Rachel Tucker, Helen Hobson, More Star in Come From Away in London, Opening February 18".
33. (8 April 2019). "Olivier Awards 2019: Full list of winners".
34. Meyer, Dan. (January 10, 2020). "West End's Come From Away Will Welcome Alice Fearn and More".
35. Stewart, Greg. (3 August 2021). "Review: John & Jen at Southwark Playhouse".
36. Selman, Chris. (4 August 2021). "Rachel Tucker and Lewis Cornay shine in updated John & Jen – review".
37. Al-Hassan, Aliya. "Rachel Tucker Joins Andrew Lloyd Webber's ''Sunset Boulevard'' in London".
38. Rook, Olivia. (2024-10-02). "Rachel Tucker and Trevor Dion Nicholas join the cast of 'Hadestown' in London".
39. Rook, Olivia. (2024-12-18). "Original 'Hadestown' lead cast to star in West End production".
40. Russo, Gillian. (2025-02-13). "Rachel Tucker, Corbin Bleu, Amber Davies join 'The Great Gatsby'; full West End cast set".
41. Henderson, Sarah. (21 October 2018). "Belfast's West End star Rachel Tucker lands wicked role in new BBC drama".
42. (2025-02-13). "The Great Gatsby musical unveils complete West End casting".
43. (31 March 2013). "Rachel Tucker to release debut solo album".
44. Tucker, Rachel. (11 August 2013). "IT'S HERE! Can't believe it! U can actually buy my album on the tunes that are i! NOW! Very surreal moment for me but so excited bout it! :D".
45. "Rachel Tucker - The Reason - Signed copies".
46. Tucker, Rachel. (15 November 2017). "'ON THE ROAD' DELUXE IS GOING DIGITAL! Tomorrow! ITunes! Yeah!!!! 😃👍🎶 Hope you like it! Xr".
47. "Lessons".
48. Lynch, Donal. (26 November 2018). "Love and show-mance: Rachel Tucker's leap of faith".
49. Neil, Beth. (26 April 2008). "Nancy hopeful on marrying a man 17 years her senior".